Morocco defeat France on penalties to reach U-20 World Cup final
The Moroccan national under-20 football team has made history by advancing to the final of the FIFA U-20 World Cup for the first time, following a dramatic penalty shootout victory over France on Wednesday night. The Young Atlas Lions triumphed 5–4 on penalties after a tense 1–1 draw in regulation time at the Elias Figueroa Brander Stadium in Valparaíso, Chile, sealing a momentous achievement for Moroccan football and African youth football at large.
It was a night of high drama, raw emotion, and unwavering belief. Morocco started the match brightly, showing confidence and discipline against one of the most tactically gifted youth sides in Europe. Their reward came in the 28th minute when Youssef Anwar, the dynamic forward from Wydad Casablanca, latched onto a precise through ball and calmly slotted it past the French goalkeeper. The goal sent the Moroccan bench into wild celebration, symbolizing the team’s fearlessness and hunger on the world stage.
France, however, responded in the second half with their trademark intensity and ball possession dominance. The equalizer came in the 67th minute after sustained pressure, with Mathis Cherki capitalizing on a rebound to draw level. From then on, both teams pushed for a winner, but the contest evolved into a tactical chess match, each side testing the other’s resilience and defensive organization.
As extra time ended with no further goals, it all came down to penalties, a stage where heroes are made and legends are born. Morocco held their nerve in the shootout, converting all five of their penalties with remarkable composure. The decisive moment came when substitute goalkeeper Abdelhakim El Mesbahi, who had been brought on specifically for the shootout, dived to his right to deny France’s final penalty. The save triggered scenes of pure ecstasy, players collapsed to the ground in tears, coaches embraced, and fans in the stands erupted in jubilation.
For Morocco, this victory goes beyond football, it’s a moment of continental pride. The North African nation becomes the first from Africa to reach the final of the U-20 World Cup since Ghana’s historic run in 2009. Their journey has been nothing short of inspiring: a blend of technical precision, tactical discipline, and collective spirit that has captured the hearts of millions across Africa and the Arab world.
The Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) has invested heavily in youth development over the past decade, particularly through the Mohammed VI Football Academy, which has become a pipeline for nurturing world-class talent. This success in Chile stands as a testament to that vision. The young Atlas Lions have demonstrated not only talent but also mental fortitude, beating footballing giants like Brazil and now France en route to the final.
Coach Hicham Dmiai, visibly emotional after the match, praised his players’ commitment and composure under pressure. “This victory belongs to every young Moroccan who dreams of representing their country. These boys have written history with their hearts, and we are proud to take Africa to the final of the world’s biggest youth competition,” he said.
The team’s style of play, combining North African flair with European tactical discipline, has earned admiration from pundits worldwide. Analysts have pointed to Morocco’s defensive organization and quick transitional play as the backbone of their success. Central to their resilience has been captain Amine Bouziane, whose leadership in midfield has kept the team grounded in every match. The defensive duo of Adam Saidi and Yassine Bencherifa have also been pivotal, shutting down some of the most dangerous attacking units in youth football.
Morocco’s opponent in the final will be Argentina, who defeated Colombia in the other semi-final. The South American giants, led by their prodigious forward Thiago Almada Jr., are aiming for their seventh U-20 World Cup title. The upcoming clash promises to be an enthralling encounter between African determination and South American finesse.
Fans back home in Morocco flooded the streets of Rabat, Casablanca, and Marrakech to celebrate the team’s victory, waving flags and chanting in celebration late into the night. The Moroccan Ministry of Sports issued an official statement congratulating the team, calling their achievement “a new chapter in the golden era of Moroccan football.” This comes at a time when Moroccan football is witnessing a renaissance, the senior national team’s semi-final finish at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, the women’s team’s debut at the Women’s World Cup, and now the youth team’s breakthrough on the U-20 stage.
This moment also reaffirms Morocco’s growing influence as a footballing powerhouse in Africa. Their ability to compete consistently across all levels of international football underscores the country’s strategic investment in sports infrastructure and player development. The upcoming final against Argentina will not just be about lifting a trophy, it will symbolize Africa’s continued rise in global football, and the belief that young African teams can challenge traditional powerhouses on any stage.
As the young Atlas Lions prepare for the grand finale, the dream of a first-ever U-20 World Cup title burns bright. Whether they win or not, Morocco’s journey in Chile has already written a proud story for the continent, one of unity, excellence, and ambition.
From Rabat to Dakar, Accra to Cairo, the whole of Africa will be cheering for the red and green when the final whistle blows. The young Moroccans have shown that talent, belief, and teamwork can defy the odds and that the future of African football is in very capable hands.
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